KEKCHI and MAYAN CULTURE

Weaving Cohune Palm Fans

The Cohune Palm Tree

The Cohune palm (Orbigyna Cohune) is one of
the most abundant trees in Belize. It is found in forests from near sea level up to 2000
ft. in rich soil. Cohune trees can reach upwards of 100 ft. while the fronds can grow up
to 35 feet long, and are commonly used for thatching. Many other species of palm can also
be used in thatching such as Bayleaf palm (Sabal morrisiana), favored for its durability,
and Silver Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata). To make
a shelter in the Belize jungle, the most readily available is the Cohune palm. The
fronds are long and linear. The Cohune palm is also edible. To see which part is edible
and how to prepare it. Go to our page on Eating
Cohune Palm.

Fan Weaving Technique

First, the Cohune palm needs to be roasted
or boiled. Ignacio collected some palm from a slash and burn field. The ashes were still
hot and smoking, but the Cohune palm didn't burn, it only changed color from green to
yellow. In addition to the sun, the heat from the burnt field was hard to stand. Ignacio
quickly made a fan. We returned to the shade of our shelter before I tried the technique.
A section of a frond with only 6 leaves on each side is needed. The leaves are woven
together until the end, then twisted with a half a turn and turned under. The operation is
repeated until the fan is finished. It is nice to use on hot days, but it's also practical
for aerating a fire.